Mass Audubon details potential state park cuts

Jack Clarke, director of public policy & government relations at Mass Audubon has released an analysis of what the state House of Representatives proposed fiscal year 2012 budget will mean for the state Department of Conservation and Recreation if it makes it to the Governor's desk:

* Closing/Unstaffing 16 DCR facilities that include:
6 State Parks (offering swimming, camping, hiking, day use, trails)
4 State Forests (offering same recreational opportunities above)
8 swimming areas (some in above facilities)
5 campgrounds (totaling 685 campsites; some in the above facilities)
1 Heritage Park

* Reduction in camping season:
· Most campgrounds will have their seasons shortened by an average of three weeks

* Reduction in pool/swimming season:
· Begin pool operations July 2/Close by August 28; reduction of several weeks
· Shortened season at numerous other swimming locations to mirror above

* 40% reduction in number of park rangers and interpreters:
· Will result in decreased park patrols, decreased response time to public complaints, decrease in or elimination of patrols for illegal ATV use
· Will result in a decrease in the number of special use permits DCR can issue for large and small events

* Reduced beach trash collection:
· Will reduce the frequency of pickups resulting in more litter on the beach

* Reduction of services within Forest Bureau:
· Will impact the Forest Bureau’s ability to manage and protect our forest resources

* Reduction of police details:
· Will result in less patrols and police presence at high day use areas and campgrounds, causing a greater reliance on local municipalities or a compromise of the safety of staff and the general public

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